The 2019 Tenant Fees Act banned most letting fees paid by tenants. As responsible agents, we adhere to this law, and won’t charge any letting fees when you rent a property through us.
Referencing is an important part of the lettings process. It’s totally confidential, completed on-line and usually quick and easy – the results prove to the landlord that you can afford to meet the monthly rental payments. Also, Stadium Residential on behalf of their landlords have a legal obligation to check that you are legally entitled to reside in the U.K. – known as “The Right to Rent” but if you have any questions just contact us and we can explain what is involved.
If you are unable to provide adequate history you may require a U.K. based home-owning guarantor who would be responsible for paying your rent if you were unable to for some reason.
If you’re unable to provide evidence of income over the last year, you’ll probably require a guarantor in order to rent a property. This is usually a parent or guardian. Your guarantor will agree to pay the rent on your behalf, if for any reason you can’t make the monthly payments.
If you see a property that you love and the landlord verbally accepts your application to rent, you’ll be asked to pay a holding deposit. This ensures that the property is secured for you while you’re being referenced. Rather than being paid back, the holding deposit is usually deducted from the first month’s rent.
Typically, you’ll be required to pay the council tax and utilities bills unless otherwise stated in the tenancy contract. As such, it’s important to factor these into your overall budget before you commit to a particular rental property.
From time to time, your landlord or letting agent may wish to visit the property. This is to check that the house or apartment is still in good condition, and that there aren’t any problems that need addressing. You’ll always be notified in writing before this happens – legally, the landlord or agent are required to give you 24 hours’ notice.
Under the Renters Rights Bill legislation, landlords and tenants will no longer be able to agree fixed tenancy periods, known as Assured Shorthold Tenancies. In future tenancies will be known as Assured Periodic Tenancies and will run from month to month until either the tenant serves notice, or the landlord meets one of the grounds for regaining possession of the property.
During the first 12 months of any new tenancy, landlords will not be allowed to move back into their property or attempt to sell it unless they sell to another landlord who will take over the tenancy. This will ensure that all tenants will have a 12-month protected period of occupation.
A tenant can serve notice to terminate during this period. Tenants will be required to give two months’ notice to leave and this must be in line with the rent payment date.
Your landlord is responsible for any structural issues, plus maintenance of the fixtures and fittings. For example, if the boiler breaks (through no fault of your own), it’s usually the landlord’s job to fix it. However, it’s your responsibility to keep the property clean and well-maintained. This includes tasks like:
The inventory is an important document, outlining the details of the rental property and the items within it. When you receive the inventory, it’s a good idea to check it thoroughly, to ensure nothing is amiss. If you feel something is inaccurate, raise the issue with your letting agent or landlord. You’re also welcome to take photographs as evidence – make sure to date-stamp them, so they can be used as evidence if any disputes arise in the future.
If you’re struggling to meet the rental payments, it’s vital to let the agent or landlord know as soon as possible. We’ll talk you through your options, and work to find an arrangement that’s beneficial for everyone involved.